When I began brainstorming weekly features for this blog and settled on Free Music Friday, I started digging through the mass amounts of free music online and was surprised by just how much is actually out there. The majority of what I found wasn't worth a second listen but every once in awhile I would stumble upon something good. In a few even more rare instances, I stumbled upon something excellent. After all my free music research, the album I keep coming back to and spinning the most is Ole Dominion by Virgina-born singer-songwriter Joshua LeMasters.
I don't know much about LeMasters but after scouring the internet I have been able to find out a few things. First off, he was born in Virginia but now calls Indiana home. Second, he used to play under the name Ole Dominion and released the free demo album this post is dedicated to in 2007 under that moniker. Third, the majority of those songs were written in a funeral home where he would play during services. Fourth, he recently finished recording another batch of free demos in Boston with Ken Maiuri (of Pedro The Lion) and has added friend Ethan Lennox to his band on bass. Lastly, he credits Jeff Buckley as an immediate influence.
That's really all the internet has to say about this wonderful artist. I'll add that LeMasters creates dreamy acoustic folk that is both calming and mesmerizing. Beyond that, instead of boring you with a long drawn out description, I will encourage you to watch the home video below for his song "Midwinter". Then head over to his Bandcamp page and download the whole album for free. Bandcamp is an amazing website that allows artists to post their music for streaming and download for a price that they themselves choose, including the popular "pay what you want, no minimum" option. You will see a lot more Bandcamp content here on future Fridays. In this case, LeMasters doesn't even give you the option to pay but if you feel so inclined, head over to iTunes where the album is also available.
Ole Dominion, "Mid-Winter" from Ole Dominion on Vimeo.
RIYL: Acoustic, Folk, Yim Yames, old Iron and Wine, Log Cabins
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The Internet is full of legal, free music. Every Friday Adjective! Animal! spotlights an artist who has released an EP, album or their full discography for nothing. Please support these artists who give away their music just so it will not go unheard by buying their merchandise or donating when possible. If you have a suggestion for Free Music Friday please email me at adjectiveanimal1@gmail.com.
1 comment:
The tone and homemade nature of Ole Dominion has always reminded me of a more folksy Bon Iver. I'm glad you turned me on to this one a while back.
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